BSN as a 2nd degree at 33

[Kosis]

Hello all,

I've been lurking around the forums with a heavy heart as I reconsider nursing school. I started taking prequisites in my late 20s, but I think I took on too much at once and had to withdrawal from a couple "crash courses". A few years went by and I went back to school to get a degree in History in order to teach, but I have been seriously doubting it ever since I've started substituting. It doesn't feel right and have been regretting not pursuing what I really wanted, which is nursing.

To add to this, I spent the last week during the winter break nannying for a working mom who is a physician and even though her life is hectic, I feel like I've let myself down by taking an easier way out.

In addition to that, I just got married last fall and we plan to have a child at some point.

So I contacted an advisor at UTA in Texas for their accelerated BSN program and was told if I finished 3 science courses by June 1st, I could apply for Spring 2018 admissions. It will most likely be Fall 2018 since I'm thinking worst cast scenario though. So let's say I begin Fall 2018 for 15 months. That means it should be finished around December of 2019, right? That will make me 36 by the time I graduate, which I'm worried will be too late to try to have a baby.

Is it just too late to have both at this point? I've been reading stories about how hard it is doing clinicals, especially these accelerated programs while pregnant and don't know what to do. At the same time, I feel upset with myself for waiting this long and feel like if I'm going to do it, now is the time to try.

Anyone else in or was in this position? What did you do?

Thanks!

K

[quarterlifemess, ADN, RN]

What does your husband think?

[Kosis]

I wasn't sure what he was going to think, but when I told him he was supportive. We plan to have only one child, it's just finding the time to do that given my age.

[Kosis]

I wasn't sure what he was going to think, but when I told him he was supportive. We plan to have only one child, it's just finding the time to do that given my age.

[quarterlifemess, ADN, RN]

Ultimately, this is only a decision that can be made by you and, if anyone else, your husband. There are many ways to go about this and none of them are 'right' but all are very personal to those involved. I will point out that there are many posts here about people being 30, 40, 50, or even 60 when they complete nursing school. There are more options than completing an ABSN now/maybe never having a kid and having a kid now/never become a nurse.

[NeoNatMom]

As soon as I started my nursing school journey, I got pregnant. I am younger, but having to be present before/after school can make it a struggle. TBH, it is completely about your perspective. Some are pushed by having or wanting kids, others feel held back by it. I was dismissed from my program, but am not about to give up on what i truly want. You shouldn't either. I think nursing school is very VERY stressful, and you never know what can arise (like having to be on bedrest or something). I think it is safest to get through your program and then have a child. Not to mention that being pregnant reduces memory temporarily bc volume to the brain is reduce do to certain factors while pregnant.

I hope this helped in some way.

[Kosis]

Thank you for the response and sharing your story. I also worry about the possibility of becoming pregnant during the program and whether I would need to take a break. I can imagine it's really difficult trying to do both, but hearing stories like yours and your motivation to continue helps! I didn't even consider the memory loss part when you're pregnant.

[Kosis]

Thanks for the level-headed response. I've been worrying myself over the "what ifs" these past few days and worried I've run out of time to do both. I have to stay positive about it, but also realistic. Pregnant women of all ages do this every year and make it work somehow. I keep going over these 3 options, there's a risk in each one. 1) Take the pre-reqs and try to start the program in the Fall 2018 and finish when I'm 36, then try to get pregnant. 2) Get pregnant during pre-reqs, have the baby and then try to start the program. 3) Have the baby during the program. And this is all assuming I can get pregnant.

I need to think more about it. I just don't feel ready to be a mom yet and have always put the idea off for later, but that "later" is approaching. In the meantime, I'm going to keep working with the advisor at UTA to map out a plan for prereqs. Maybe just start with A&P this Spring and see how I do.